Caledonite is a striking lead-copper sulfate-carbonate mineral known for its vibrant deep blue-green to teal color. It is most frequently found as small, distinct prismatic crystals or crusts in the oxidized zones of lead-copper ore deposits, often associated with linarite.
Is this caledonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch caledonite with a known reference. Caledonite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caledonite leaves a blue-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Caledonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: deep blue, blue-green, green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, acicular, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Caledonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Caledonite leaves blue-white, Linarite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Caledonite leaves blue-white, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Caledonite leaves blue-white, Malachite leaves light green.
Often found alongside caledonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with caledonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₅Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₆(SO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 5.7-5.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Blue-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Acicular, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Good in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-copper Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail, $150-500 cabinet
Where rockhounds find caledonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Scotland
- Arizona, USA
- Namibia
- Sardinia, Italy
- Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-copper hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where caledonite typically forms. If you start seeing linarite, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, acicular, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find caledonite on the map
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